In a harrowing revelation out of Colorado, Corrye Brewer, a 97-year-old woman, was tragically discovered deceased due to suspected foul play involving a family member.

In Colorado, the mysterious death of Brewer has now been declared a homicide after she was left outside an abandoned house in freezing conditions by a relative, as People reports.

Brewer was last positively seen alive around 1 p.m. on Jan. 24, in Peyton, Colorado. Loved and cared for by her family, her sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through her community. People close to Brewer knew her cognitive challenges required her constant medication, which she could not manage alone.

When Brewer didn't return, her anxious family reported her missing the following day. It spurred a search that enlisted various agencies, anxious to find the elderly woman safe. Yet, as days passed, hope faded.

It wasn't until Jan. 27 that the grim discovery was made. Deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office found Brewer’s body outside an abandoned house, under conditions that no one should ever endure, let alone a vulnerable senior. An immediate investigation started to understand the chain of events that led to this tragedy.

Heartbreaking discovery, tragic determination

Following the discovery, Brewer’s death prompted an autopsy by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, which ruled it a homicide, an unsettling conclusion that this was not an accident.

According to the autopsy, Brewer’s death was caused by hypothermia after being left intentionally outside in brutal winter conditions.

The autopsy report was so unsettlingly detailed that on Jan. 24, a family member left Brewer in the harsh elements without her personal belongings, necessary medications, or any means to seek shelter. On that particularly cold day, the temperature had plummeted to 16 degrees with snowfall, conditions likely to be fatal for someone in her state.

This revelation stirred outrage and sorrow within the community and her family. Her grandson, voicing his grief and shock, told CBS News, “Somebody needs to be held accountable.” His statement not only reflected his loss but also the shared disbelief and quest for justice among all who knew Brewer.

Quest for justice begins

The ongoing investigation by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office continues to unfold. Authorities are piecing together the events that led to Brewer's untimely death, with a particular focus on the culpability of the family member alleged to have left her to die.

Community response has been one of heartbreak and support. The National Center for Missing and Endangered, Inc. expressed their condolences, stating in a Facebook post, "We extend our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. We are deeply saddened by your loss and want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family. Please remember that you are not alone; we are here to support you in any way we can."

This case has touched a nerve with the public not just in Colorado, but nationwide, as it uncomfortably highlights the vulnerabilities of the elderly and the sometimes-hidden dangers within one's own family.

Lessons to learn

1. Always monitor and maintain communication with vulnerable family members. Ensuring they are safe and not in compromising situations is crucial.

2. It is important to educate communities about the signs of elder abuse and neglect. Awareness can lead to prevention and save lives.

3. While we strive to take precautions, we must recognize that crimes can happen to anyone. Never blame the victim for the circumstances that befall them.

Why this story matters

This tragic event underscores the critical importance of elder care and the necessity for thorough background checks and monitoring of caregivers. It reveals the dire consequences of neglect and the profound necessity for a society that protects its most vulnerable. The community must come together to address these challenges and prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the tragic death of Brewer serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist even within families and emphasizes the need for vigilance and justice to safeguard those unable to protect themselves.

As the investigation continues, many wait for answers and justice for Corrye Brewer’s needless suffering.